Rabies is still a serious public health problem in more than 150 countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, causing tens of thousands of deaths each year.
Despite dog vaccination efforts, many people are still bitten by unvaccinated dogs. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial, as 99% of human rabies deaths are dog-mediated, yet access and cost barriers leave many bite victims at risk of death from a preventable disease.
Access to PEP is limited in many countries, especially for rabies immunoglobulins (RIG). According to a publication, out of 240 countries, access to RIG was limited in 134, while 70 countries had no access at all. For details, see JTM publication, 2022.
Geographic distribution of assessed rabies risk levels for travel health guidance
Exposure to potentially rabid animals is common, especially during travel. Rabies can be prevented through pre-exposure vaccination!
Due to the global shortage of rabies immunoglobulins — crucial for unvaccinated individuals after potential rabies exposure — the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine advises a more generous approach to recommending rabies vaccination before travel. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travel should be considered a once-in-a-lifetime investment!
In general: avoid contact with animals and do not feed them.
Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!